NEET Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025 – Who Can Apply?
Thinking about giving NEET this year? The first thing you need to know is whether you meet the eligibility rules. Miss a requirement and you’ll waste time and money. Below is the simple checklist that covers age, education, attempts, and a few special cases you might run into.
Education and Age Requirements
To sit for NEET 2025 you must have passed the 12th grade (or equivalent) in any stream – Science, Commerce or Arts. The key point is that you need at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology taken together. If you’re in the 12th, you can still register as long as you’re confident you’ll hit the cut‑off.
The age rule is strict: you must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31, 2025. The upper age limit is 25 years for general candidates. There are relaxations for reserved categories – SC, ST, and OBC‑NCL get an extra three years, and PwD candidates get five extra years. So, if you’re 26 but belong to one of these groups, you’re still good to go.
Other Important Rules (Attempts, Domicile, Disqualifications)
You can attempt NEET a maximum of three times. That means three consecutive years, starting from the first year you qualify. If you’ve already taken it three times, you can’t sit for it again, no matter how close you are to the age limit.
Domicile isn’t a barrier for NEET. Students from any state or union territory can apply, but remember that state‑wise counselling and seat allocation will follow the rules of the state you’re a resident of. Keep your address proof handy while filling the form.
There are a few things that can disqualify you automatically: if you’ve been found guilty of cheating in any previous NEET or any other national level exam, or if you have a pending disciplinary case with a medical college. Also, if you’ve been declared ineligible for any other central exam due to a criminal conviction, you’ll be barred.
To avoid surprises, double‑check your 12th mark sheet, collect your birth certificate, and make sure you haven’t crossed the attempt limit. A quick look at the official FAQ on the NTA website can save you a lot of hassle.
Finally, keep the registration dates on your calendar. The online form usually opens in December and closes by the end of March. Missing the window means you’ll have to wait another year.
Follow this checklist, and you’ll know exactly where you stand before you hit the ‘Submit’ button. Good luck with your NEET preparation – the right paperwork is the first step toward a medical seat!